Warne-Muralitharan test trophy announced

Sydney, Nov 3 (UNI) Cricket Australia(CA) and Sri Lanka Cricket today announced a new trophy named in the honour of Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan -- the two highest wicket-takers in the history of Test cricket.

CA instituted the trophy to honour Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, two of the greatest bowlers in cricket history with more than 1400 test wickets between them. The trophy which celebrates the 25th anniversary of test cricket between Australia and Sri Lanka, features casts of the right hands of the two spinners and match-used cricket balls bowled by both players during their careers.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said it was a fitting tribute to the two players who have left an indelible mark on world cricket.

"Both Shane and Muttiah have broken the 700-wicket barrier and have inspired young cricketers around the world to try their hands at spin bowling," Sutherland said.

"We think it's a fitting tribute to both players by naming the perpetual Australia versus Sri Lanka Test Series trophy after them. The inception of this trophy is yet another step in celebrating the wonderful history between both nations while continuing to build its stature in the years to come," he added.

Shane Warne said he felt very proud to be sharing this honor with fellow spin king Muralitharan. "We've had some great battles in the past and helped raise each other's game to the heights that we've reached. The rivalry between Australia and Sri Lanka has grown immeasurably over the last decade and I know my former Australian teammates will be super keen to be the first country to win the trophy when they do battle this November.'' Warne said.

According to Muttiah Muralitharan, the upcoming series against Australia was a great opportunity for his team and he was looking forward to bowling in Australia again.

"I have enormous respect for Shane Warne and I consider it a great honour to have a trophy named after both of us," he said.

Warne and Muralitharan will unveil the trophy before the second test in Hobart on November 16.

UNI